MLB "rejected" the Twins' proposal to play a three-game
series outdoors in a 25,000-seat, temporary facility against
the Rangers next month, according to Gordon Wittenmyer of
the ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS (see THE DAILY, 8/14). The plan,
which would have cost the team "less than" $1M in materials
and labor and required approval from seven entities before
being allowed to proceed, was "sharply criticized" by MLB
execs. A Twins press release listed reasons cited by MLB
for its decision, including "lack of adequate time to
achieve other necessary approvals and to inspect the
facilities before making a final decision." Additionally,
members of the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission
(MSFC) asked the Twins to "get a guarantee in writing from
the Vikings stating they wouldn't use such a waiver as a
precedent to break" their Metrodome lease, which runs
through 2011. The Vikings "refused." Twins CEO Chris
Clouser called the plan a "long shot" and said, "We're not
pointing any fingers at anybody." MLB "suggested" the Twins
apply for approval to play outdoor preseason exhibition
games next spring (ST. PAUL PIONEER PRESS, 8/19).
